348 Elementary Principles of Agriculture 



in the individual plants and fruits is especially important, 

 as it is in vegetables, particular attention should be given 

 to the selection and improvement of the soil. Early 

 maturity, large size, succulence, and tenderness are 

 desirable qualities which are associated with rapid 

 growth. This comes when the land is kept in good 

 tilth (Tf 75) and well supplied with humus. Sandy loamy 



Fig. 219. . Tomatoes in a cold-frame ready to transplant. Plants should be gradu- 

 ally hardened off before transplanting, and just before moving should be 

 thoroughly watered. 



Courtesy Department of Horticulture, Purdue University. 



soils are preferred for gardens because they warm up early 

 in the spring and are easy to keep in good tilth. How- 

 ever, they are not absolutely essential for good gardens. 

 Whatever the nature of the soil may be, it should receive 

 heavy applications of manure, be plowed deep and kept 

 clear of weeds by frequent surface cultivation. 



513. Forcing. Forcing is a term given to the 

 growing of plants under artificial heat in order to secure 



